-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- No. 2 Alabama clobbered No. 1 Louisiana State University Monday night , winning college football 's Bowl Championship Series 21-0 .

The rematch of the century took place in New Orleans , and this time , there was more at stake than just bragging rights .

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The showdown for the BCS title came two months after the two giants battled in a tense Southeastern Conference matchup .

Both teams went into that November 5 game undefeated . College football pundits dubbed it the game of the century .

Alabama , playing at home in Tuscaloosa , lost 9-6 .

For the Crimson Tide , Monday was a chance at redemption -- and to settle the debate , once and for all , who is the best team in college football .

`` These kind of competitive games , especially this game , playing somebody in your league that you already played , I think makes this a more special challenge , '' Alabama coach Nick Saban told reporters before the game . `` The opportunity that our players have to play LSU again is something that is unique . ''

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Crimson Tide shuts out the Tigers 21-0

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The two battled in November , with LSU coming out on top